In the biblical context, the concept of preparations encompasses a variety of activities and attitudes that are essential for fulfilling God's purposes and living a life of faith. Preparations can be physical, spiritual, or both, and they often involve readiness for events, tasks, or divine encounters. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the importance of being prepared.

Old Testament Examples

1. Noah's Ark: One of the earliest examples of preparation is found in the account of Noah. God instructed Noah to build an ark in preparation for the coming flood. Noah's obedience and meticulous preparation saved his family and the animal species. Genesis 6:14-16 details the specific instructions given by God, emphasizing the importance of following divine guidance in preparation.

2. The Passover: In Exodus 12, the Israelites were instructed to prepare for the Passover by selecting a lamb, slaughtering it, and applying its blood to their doorposts. This preparation was crucial for their deliverance from Egypt. Exodus 12:11 states, "This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. You are to eat it in haste—it is the LORD’s Passover."

3. The Tabernacle: The construction of the Tabernacle involved detailed preparations, as described in Exodus 25-31. God provided Moses with specific instructions for the materials, dimensions, and furnishings, highlighting the importance of preparing a place for worship and God's presence.

New Testament Teachings

1. John the Baptist: John the Baptist's ministry was one of preparation, as he called people to repentance in anticipation of the coming Messiah. Matthew 3:3 refers to him as "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’"

2. Parable of the Ten Virgins: In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the need for spiritual readiness. The wise virgins prepared by bringing extra oil for their lamps, while the foolish ones did not. This parable underscores the importance of being prepared for Christ's return.

3. The Last Supper: Jesus instructed His disciples to prepare for the Passover meal, which would become the Last Supper. In Luke 22:8 , Jesus tells Peter and John, "Go and prepare for us to eat the Passover." This preparation was significant as it set the stage for the institution of the Lord's Supper.

Spiritual Preparation

The Bible also emphasizes the need for spiritual preparation. Believers are called to prepare their hearts and minds for service, worship, and the return of Christ. Ephesians 6:15 speaks of having "your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace," indicating the importance of being prepared to share the gospel.

Practical Applications

1. Prayer and Study: Regular prayer and study of Scripture are vital for spiritual preparation. These practices equip believers to face life's challenges and to discern God's will.

2. Moral and Ethical Readiness: Christians are encouraged to live lives of integrity and righteousness, preparing themselves to be effective witnesses for Christ. Titus 3:1 advises believers "to be ready for every good deed."

3. Community and Fellowship: Engaging in Christian community and fellowship helps believers prepare for spiritual growth and mutual support. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together."

In summary, preparations in the biblical sense involve a comprehensive readiness that encompasses physical actions, spiritual disciplines, and moral integrity. These preparations are essential for fulfilling God's purposes and living a life that honors Him.3903. paraskeuazo -- to prepare, make ready
... Verb Transliteration: paraskeuazo Phonetic Spelling: (par-ask-yoo-ad'-zo) Short
Definition: I prepare Definition: I prepare; mid: I prepare, make preparations. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3903.htm - 6k

1248. diakonia -- service, ministry
... Word Origin from diakonos Definition service, ministry NASB Word Usage ministries
(1), ministry (19), mission (1), preparations (1), relief (1), serve (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1248.htm - 7k

3559. kun -- to be firm
... 1), firm (1), firmly established (3), formed (1), founds (1), full (1), get yourself
ready (1), installed (1), made it ready (1), made preparations (1), made ...
/hebrew/3559.htm - 7k

Meditation i. Preparations for the Pasch
... MEDITATION I. Preparations for the Pasch. Holy ... 18). They were than to be
shown the supper-room, and make all necessary preparations. ...
/.../meditation i preparations for the.htm

Great Preparations for a Great Work
... THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS GREAT PREPARATIONS FOR A GREAT WORK. 'And Hiram king
of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/great preparations for a great.htm

Of the Preparations that Accompany Baptism (Four Articles)
... OF THE PREPARATIONS THAT ACCOMPANY BAPTISM (FOUR ARTICLES). We have now to
consider the preparations that accompany Baptism: concerning ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/of the preparations that accompany.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... CHAPTER 14. That David Made Great Preparations For The House Of God; And That, Upon
Adonijah's Attempt To Gain The Kingdom, He Appointed Solomon To Reign. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense.
... CHAPTER VII. THE PREPARATIONS OF THE GREEKS FOR DEFENSE. BC480 The
Greeks."The two prominent states of Greece."Greek kings."The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vii the preparations of.htm

Providential Preparations for the Discovery of America --Spiritual ...
... CHAPTER I. PROVIDENTIAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA"SPIRITUAL REVIVAL
THROUGHOUT CHRISTENDOM, AND ESPECIALLY IN THE CHURCH OF SPAIN. ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chapter i providential preparations for.htm

Preparations for the Invasion of Greece.
... CHAPTER IV. PREPARATIONS FOR THE INVASION OF GREECE. BC481 Orders to the
provinces."Mode of raising money."Modern mode of securing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter iv preparations for the.htm

While the Emperor Theodosius is Engaged in Military Preparations ...
... Book V. Chapter XII."While the Emperor Theodosius is engaged in Military
Preparations against Maximus, his Son Honorius is born. ...
/.../chapter xii while the emperor theodosius.htm

As in this World we have no Abiding City
... If, then," he continues, "you know your city in which you are to dwell, why do ye
here provide lands, and make expensive preparations, and accumulate dwellings ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/similitude first as in this.htm

Chapter xxxii
... CHAPTER XXXII. (8) Preparations for Meeting Esau (31:55-32:32) This caption
may at first glance seem somewhat inapt for the chapter ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxii.htm

Preparations (16 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Preparations (16 Occurrences). ... Luke 22:12 He will show
you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there." (WEB WEY NIV). ...
/p/preparations.htm - 11k

Burial (25 Occurrences)
...PREPARATIONS FOR BURIAL 1. Often Informal and Hasty 2. Usually with More Ceremony
3. Contrasts between Jewish Customs and Other Peoples' (1) Cremation (2 ...
/b/burial.htm - 42k

Books (16 Occurrences)
... the Jebusite. The second part (1 Chronicles 22-29:22) deals with one
particular event and the preparations for it. The event is ...
/b/books.htm - 101k

Chronicles (45 Occurrences)
... the Jebusite. The second part (1 Chronicles 22-29:22) deals with one
particular event and the preparations for it. The event is ...
/c/chronicles.htm - 60k

Prepare (199 Occurrences)
... Luke 22:12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there."
(See NAS). John 14:2 In my Father's house are many homes. ...
/p/prepare.htm - 36k

Xerxes (24 Occurrences)
... so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh,
and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying ...
/x/xerxes.htm - 14k

Question (153 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:17 On the first day of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus
with the question, "Where shall we make preparations for you to eat the ...
/q/question.htm - 37k

Vat (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A large vessel, cistern, or tub, especially one used for holding in an immature
state, chemical preparations for dyeing, or for tanning, or for tanning ...
/v/vat.htm - 9k

Numbers (136 Occurrences)
... It may be divided into three parts: 1. The numbering of the people at Sinai,
and preparations for their resuming their march (1-10:10). ...
/n/numbers.htm - 71k

Upstairs (8 Occurrences)
... for us." (WEY). Luke 22:12 "And he will show you a large furnished room
upstairs. There make your preparations." (WEY). Acts 1:13 ...
/u/upstairs.htm - 8k

Should Christians stockpile food/supplies in preparation for a possible future disaster? | GotQuestions.org

If Jesus was crucified on the Day of Preparation, why had He already eaten the Passover meal? | GotQuestions.org

Was it God's desire for Israel to worship Him in a temple in Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org

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